An investigation is underway to find out what led to an 11-year-old scholar’s loss of life by suicide and what may have been achieved to forestall it.
The household of Jalyah Noel Thompson has stated on social media that bullying at Eisenhower Center College was a significant component in her Feb. 21 loss of life.
Rockford Public Colleges Superintendent Ehren Jarrett stated throughout a information convention Wednesday that bullying of Jaylah has not been confirmed. He stated faculty district personnel are interviewing college students, residents and employees to resolve what occurred. He stated police are also investigating.
“We would not have any proof that I might have the ability to share that that’s what occurred,” Jarrett stated. “I do know that there are allegations … however we’ve got a really detailed and thorough investigation course of.”
Members of the family say the Eisenhower Center College scholar was bullied at college and died by suicide Friday, Feb. 21. Some members of the family have blamed faculty officers for not doing extra to guard the lady.
Jarrett stated faculty district invests $30 million into assist personnel past the fundamental package deal of lecturers and counselors which can be required.
Rockford Public Colleges Superintendent Ehren Jarrett discusses the tragic loss of life of Eisenhower Center College scholar Jalyah Noel Thompson, 11, throughout a information convention Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at college district headquarters, 501 seventh St.
He stated it wasn’t sufficient to save lots of Jalyah.
Jarrett known as for renewed partnership between the varsity system, college students, mother and father and social service suppliers. He inspired anybody who’s struggling to inform somebody they belief. Even with extremely skilled personnel prepared to assist, faculties can not help if they do not know a toddler is struggling, he stated.
There may be info posted in each faculty on the place to hunt assist for quite a lot of points together with bullying, consuming problems, medicine, nervousness, self hurt, melancholy and suicide. College students can scan a QR to report issues anonymously.
Jarrett stated extra employees have been assigned to Eisenhower to help the distraught faculty group.
“It is a wake-up name,” Jarrett stated. “We need to be sure that college students are saying one thing in the event that they’re struggling, and in the event that they really feel uncomfortable saying one thing that household and pals are stepping up.”
Jarrett stated the group is rightfully indignant and understandably seeking to assign blame.
“I am unhappy, and I am indignant that this occurred to such a younger little one,” he stated. “I additionally need to see that we take that frustration and that disappointment we really feel and be sure that we’re doing every thing we are able to to come back collectively and enhance as a group, as a result of we shall be very restricted in what we are able to accomplish with finger pointing. We shall be far more profitable if we come collectively and see what we are able to do to forestall future tragedy.”
Members of the family say that Jalyah Noel Thompson, 11, an Eisenhower Center College scholar, died by suicide Feb. 21, 2025.
In case you suspect somebody is in disaster, contact the Nationwide Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988. You can too textual content “HOME,” to the disaster textual content line at 741741 to speak with a disaster counselor.
Jeff Kolkey writes about authorities, financial growth and different points for the Rockford Register Star. He might be reached through e mail at [email protected] and on X @jeffkolkey.
This text initially appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford faculties are investigating what led to 11-year-old’s loss of life